Local groups react to infrastructure plan

Infrastructure New South Wales has released a report outlining strategies and new projects to improve the state's transport systems, from regional freight to Sydney traffic.

Renewed hope for rail lines

A local transport lobby group says it hopes recommendations from Infrastructure New South Wales will see freight rail lines reopen in the central west.

The report calls for the State Government to develop a targeted program of rail upgrades in regional areas to improve freight transport.

The Lachlan Regional Transport Committee has been campaigning for the reopening of the Blayney to Demondrille line.

The Chairman Maurice Simpson says having the line open would allow freight heading to Port Kembla to travel by rail.

"We've lifted the amount of wheat that's been going out to Port Kembla by road because we didn't have the infrastructure by rail," he said.

"But, that can be taken back.

"There's no doubt about that.

"They're extending the port at Port Kembla to make it the longest bulk loader in Australia, so everything's heading in the right direction."

He says he is glad to see that there are also recommendations to look to the private sector for funding.

"We've been made well aware in the last 12 months that if any investment is going to come from the private sector, it depends on how the government wants it to come, if they want it to come quick, I know it can come quick from the private sector," he said.

"The private sector wants to make a buck, you can't blame them they want to get it up, they want to get it running."

Bells Line Lobby group calls for more detail

The Bells Line Expressway Group says it wants a start date set by the state government for the development of the road in this term of government.

Infrastructure New South Wales has called for a corridor of land to be identified to connect the proposed expressway to the Great Western Highway.

But the group says the land needs to be preserved, not just identified.

Chairman Ian Armstrong says the report is a step in the right direction but he'd like to see a more concrete proposal.

"Obviously it's the best we're going to get at this stage of the piece our committee will very much be working to get more from the politicians," he said.

"We want a starting date as to when that road is going to be built, so as we can travel on it.

"We want to know how long is it going to take to build it."

He says a timeframe needs to be set for the project and land should also be earmarked before it is taken up by other developments.

"It's now a matter for committees and members such as the Troy Grant's and co to try and make sure we actually get some physical commencement of this road," he said.

"I say it's the jugular vein of Sydney for the future as to how it's going to support itself."

Major investment in regional bridges

Three bridges in the central west will be replaced or upgraded in the next five years.

The State Government has committed to upgrading 17 bridges in regional areas, following a recommendation from Infrastructure New South Wales.

Twenty-three million will be spent replacing the Holman Bridge at Gooloogong.

A ten million dollar upgrade of the Warroo Bridge has also been outlined and almost five million has been set aside for replacing the James Park Bridge at Crookwell.